I’d preached what seemed like dozens of applications on being the church, but nothing sizable happened until I preached with love, and members seized the opportunity to then walk in love.

It’s one thing to read about martyrs in church history. It’s another to walk through the dungeons where they were held, to imagine the faces of a young mother and her friends as they waited for the arena.

In a post to accompany his recent book, author Aaron Armstrong shows those who are spiritually curious the delight of doctrine.

Give me faith like one who has held on when all seems lost, who has stared despair in the face but clung to the assurance of things hoped for.

Remember the prayers he has answered on your behalf. Remember the mountains he has moved. Remember the cross of Calvary.

When I needed assurance, I could look to the finished work of Jesus Christ, my high priest and sufficient sacrifice who is seated at the right hand of God.